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The Boothbay Harbor Region has everything you need to make this season one of the best yet!
December brings the delight of small-town magic to our region with our many holiday events. Explore our unique shops and galleries and give the gift of something truly special this season!
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It's not too late to experience an enchanting holiday with us!
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, our comfortable and cozy inns, hotels, and vacation rentals offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere to make your stay truly memorable.
Book your holiday getaway now
and experience the magic of the season this December!
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With plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up cozy comfort food and holiday-themed treats, The Boothbay Harbor Region is the perfect place to indulge in some delicious dining during the holidays.
We've got the list of OPEN - Local Restaurants, Breweries, Breakfast spots, and Eateries and holiday Provisions!
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Gardens Aglow
Now - December 31st
Thursdays through Sundays + Select Dates!
4:00 - 9:00
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Named one of the best 25 Christmas light displays in the US!
Join us to experience illuminated trails, of over 750,00 LED lights, nature-inspired sculptures, themed areas, and swaths of light and undulating effects all conspiring to create an immersive experience.
Arrival times at 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
(Closed Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)
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North Pole Express
December 2 & 3 | 9 & 10 | 16 & 17
Train every 45 minutes 10:45 am | 11:30 am | 12:15 pm | 1 pm | 1:45 pm
2:30 pm | 3:15 pm | 4:00 pm
Boothbay Railway Village Museum
Make sure your holiday plans include a ride on this magical adventure at the Boothbay Railway Village Museum Start your trip inside the historic 1912 Freeport Station (the main train station at the Museum) by writing your letter to Santa by the warmth of the wood stove.
Train conductors will call “All Aboard” and everyone, young and old, will board the train to the North Pole. A special keepsake (that will help spark the magic leap to the North Pole) will be given to each child. Settle into a comfortable seat in the classic passenger car or our “Little Red Caboose” No. 551, built in 1904.
The train will carry you through the Village and arrive at the North Pole (Thorndike Station) where a special guest wearing a red suit with a jolly belly will jump aboard to greet you! Yes, Santa himself will attend!
After meeting the “big guy” in person the train will whisk you back to the station where multiple opportunities await
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Boothbay Region Garden Club – Holiday Festival
December 1 & 2
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
St. Columba’s Church 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, ME, United States
Join us for one of the highlights of the Boothbay Harbor holiday season and get a head start on your holiday shopping! At our annual Holiday Festival (formerly Festival of Trees), you will find unique, local, handcrafted gifts in FIVE distinct sections: Deck the Halls, Nature’s Gifts, Sweet Shop, Comfort and Joy, and Dinner’s Ready! Trees, Gift Baskets and Gift Certificates are available for sale.
Cash and Checks Only!
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Gifts for Giving
December 1 - 3
10 am - 4 pm
Studio 53 - 53 Townsend Avenue
This show brings some of the region’s most talented artists, artisans, weavers, authors and potters; makers of natural medicinal and skin care products; honey and more, together on the first floor of Studio 53 in Boothbay Harbor.
Studio 53 Fine Art is located at 53 Townsend Avenue in Boothbay Harbor. Off-street parking is available in the back of the gallery near the sculpture garden.
For more information, call 207-633-2755 or visit www.studio53fineart.com.
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Annual Holiday Christmas Fair
December 2
9 am - 1:30 pm
The Boothbay Harbor Methodist Church 81 Townsend Avenue, Boothbay Harbor
Use the side entrance
Holiday shoppers will have a wide variety of items to choose from: theme gift baskets - $5-$15 - that, in the past, have included baskets of kitchen items, coffee, hot chocolate, plants; wreaths, baked goods, LOTS of cookies, jams/jellies, fudge, and other treats.
This year lobster stew returns (made by Peggy Peters) as a luncheon option, for the first time since 2018, with beef stew and chili. The ladling begins at 10:30 a.m. A lobster lunch (stew, biscuit, beverage and dessert) is $20. Beef stew or chili (served with cornbread rather than a biscuit) lunch is $12.
Eat in or take out!
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Congregational Church Christmas Fair
December 2
10 am - 2 pm
All proceeds from the fair will be donated to the Community Resource Council’s Community Fuel Fund. This fund helps our neighbors with home heating fuel costs. Our goal is to raise $10,000!
Admission is free! The Vocal and Bell Choirs hosts the Famous Cookie Walk with a variety of homemade Christmas Cookies available for $10.00 for a baker’s dozen. The Deacons will have a table of baked goods for sale. We never know what our talented church bakers will bring, but in the past, cakes, brownies, jams, pies, pickles, banana bread, quiche, and lemon bars have been available. You can find treasures at the Jewelry & Scarf Table! Costume and fine jewelry, knit and silk scarves of different colors and patterns. The Hospitality Committee will have soups, chowders, and chilis with rolls available for takeout. Pints $7.00 Quarts $14.00.
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ANNUAL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
December 2
10 am - 2 pm
Boothbay Region Historical Society
72 Oak Street, Boothbay Harbor
You can enjoy refreshments of festive holiday foods while catching up on the society’s happenings and share your own bits of Boothbay region’s history. There will be a chance for you to shop with holiday discounts on books, maps, photographs, and other gifts. You can take a chance on a special piece of art that will be raffled off to a lucky winner.
And that is not all! Beginning at 10:30 Richard Plunkett, a well-known antiques appraiser and owner of The Wizard of Odds and Ends in Alna, will present a short program on the current world of collecting.
Following his presentation, guests may present up to three items for appraisal for a donation to the society of $5.00 for one or $10.00 for three items.
The Society is grateful to Richard for providing this service to our visitors and members.
For more information on this event, please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 207-633-0820. Visit the website at www.boothbayhistorical.org and follow us on Facebook for the latest news
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FREE Family Film
Happy Feet
December 2
1:00 pm
Harbor Theater
With the early 1 pm start time, the family can easily fit the movie in between a ride on the North Pole Express in the morning and Santa’s arrival by boat in Harbor at 3 pm.
We hope that families and groups of friends and neighbors from throughout the peninsula will all come take advantage of this holiday gift of free movies and free popcorn from the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, and Southport!
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Ride the Jolly Trolley!
December 2nd
10 am - 4 pm
11 Howard Street
Catch a FREE ride around town – park downtown and hop on at the Boothbay Harbor Town Office.
With stops at:
Flagship Inn
Sherman's Bookstore
Janson's Clothing
Whale Park
Tugboat Inn & Restaurant
Midtown Motel
Whale's Tale & Seafarer's Pub
Mama D’s Café
Brady’s
Ports Pizzeria
Meadow Mall
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Santa & Friends Arrive by Boat!
December 2 (Rain Date December 3)
3:00-5:00 pm
Whale Park/ 30 Commercial Street Boothbay Harbor
This is an event you won’t want to miss, so gather your loved ones and get ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in true coastal style!
Santa Claus is coming to town–by boat! A sight that will warm your heart and bring a big smile to your face. For 30 years, families and friends have witnessed this unique and enchanting arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and even a jolly lobster aboard the Novelty.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Once Santa steps ashore, he will be making his way to the Giant Pot Buoy Tree where children can meet him, and share their Christmas wishes.
From the youngest to the oldest, everyone is invited to join in this joyous celebration and create memories that will last a lifetime. Waiting families will have a chance to enjoy activities and warming stations.
The merry crew arrives at 3 PM at the public landing the Whale Park – You can visit with Mr & Mrs. Claus and a host of their friends at Pier One in Boothbay Harbor by the Giant Pot Buoy Tree.
The winners of the Gardens Aglow Community Lighting Contest will be announced!
Take photos and chat with Santa from 3:15 – 5:00 PM
When the jolly crew will walk up the hill to light the big pine tree on the Library Lawn!
Folks can then grab a bite to eat, and do some holiday shopping while you wait for the Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks to begin!
And don’t forget to enter our Giant Pot Buoy Selfie Contest!
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Live Nativity
December 2
5:30 PM
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church 82 Atlantic Ave, Boothbay Harbor
All are welcome! Come enjoy this traditional Annual Gift from Our Lady Queen of Peace Church to the Boothbay Region Community!
Our year round liturgical musician, Ed Lecuyer, will lead the cast in a musical presentation and singalong.
This local traditional production features props and handmade costumes dating from the original performance in 1989 and an intergenerational cast! Additional props and costumes have been created over the years, and there are some that are new for 2023.
Our Lady’s Ladies Group is sponsoring the Hot Chocolate and Cookie Reception immediately afterward in the hall.
Then head outside for a perfect spot to watch the lighted boat parade & fireworks! (starting at 6:45)
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Lighted Boat Parade, Blessing of the Fleet & Fireworks
December 2
6:45 pm
the Inner Harbor
A treasured event in our community: The Lighted Boat Parade starts at 6:45 p.m. with the fireworks to follow in the inner harbor. The boats will enter the Harbor from the west, travel clockwise around the inner Harbor, where the fleet will be blessed by our local clergy, and over to the east side.
The Boats will make two loops around the harbor – so the judges (the winners of the 2023 Lighted Firetruck Parade) and YOU will be able to take it all in!
Then “ooh” and “ahh” as the sparkling Fireworks display, put on by the Town of Boothbay Harbor, light up the sky!
Rain Date Sunday, December 3rd.
The Whale Park, Fisherman’s Memorial, and the 1901 Footbridge are perfect spots for viewing!
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Boogie 2Shooz Benefit Concert
December 8
6:00 - 9:00
Boothbay Playhouse Events
275 Wiscasset Road - Boothbay Maine
Join us for a memorable evening at the Boothbay Playhouse Events in beautiful Boothbay, ME! Get ready to boogie with this amazing duo. This in-person event promises to be a night full of great danceable music, fun, great food and beverages, and unforgettable moments. This is a Benefit Concert for the Boothbay Region Health Center.
This high energy duo - Patti-Jean Cousens and Pamela Jenkins - can rock the house or sweep you off your feet with a sweet love ballad. Their unique and expressive vocal styles combine to bring torch ballads, soulful renditions of the blues, funk-flavored R&B lush jazz and spirited Latin to every performance.
Whether you're a fan of Boogie 2 Shooz or simply looking for a fun night out, this is the event for you. Grab your friends, family, or even a date and come enjoy an evening of entertainment that will leave you wanting more.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to enjoy a magical musical evening with your friends and neighbors to celebrate Gardens AGlow. Mark your calendars and get ready for a night of entertainment that you won't soon forget!
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Fused Glass Ornaments Class
December 9th
9:00 - 11:00
Southport General Store
Come get into the holiday spirit by making your own glass ornaments! Add some sparkle to your tree or sunny window! Each student will choose and assemble 4 glass ornaments that artist & instructor Kathy Faass will take back to her kiln to fire for us after class. Pieces made in class will be ready to pick up by 12/16. (We can ship them to you if need be for $8 per student.)
This class is sold out, but you can email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
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The Eastside Waterfront Park’s Family Christmas Ornament Drop-off!
December 9th
10 am - 12 pm
Brown's Wharf Inn
Pick up your FREE ORNAMENT KIT FROM NOW until DEC 6th - at the Chamber of Commerce
ORNAMENT DROP-OFF DAY IS DEC 9th
Return ornaments info: If you choose to enter the contest, the free ornaments should be placed in a bag with the entrant’s name and contact information and returned to Santa and Mrs. Claus at Brown’s Wharf on Saturday, Dec. 9th between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
The ornaments will be judged at 12:30 p.m. and winners will be notified that afternoon. If you choose not to enter the contest, hang your decorated ornament on your tree at home!
There will be cash prizes for adults and children in five age categories with a grand prize of $250.
There are five age categories in the contest: 8 and under; 8-11; 12-15; 16-59 and 60+.
All ornaments will be back at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce for Pick-Up – ( Monday – Tuesday 10 am – 2 pm, Wednesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm)
Check out the amazing ornaments from last year in this Article from the Boothbay Register !
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Santa Storytime
December 9th
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library
Holiday Friends + Santa & Mrs. Claus storytime
Multiple chances to pop in to warm up with a festive story, with a couple of Santa's Elves starting at 11 then Mr & Mrs. Claus will share some holiday favorite tales at @ 1pm before checking out more downtown festivities!
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Gingerbread Spectacular
December 15, 16 17
Opera House of Boothbay Harbor
Mark your calendars now and plan to visit the Opera House at least once during the Spectacular!
December 15 – Preview party – open 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm – featuring the holiday dance music of Barney Balch and the Novel Jazz Quartet
December 16th & 17th – 11 am – 4:00 pm
Fantastic gingerbread houses, castles, and more are created by novice and professional bakers and those who truly just want to be a part of the fun!
Prizes are awarded in various categories including Most Spectacular, Best Traditional Gingerbread House Design, Most Hilarious, Best Representation of a Local Landmark, Best Holiday Spirit, and more.
Specific visiting times and details will be posted by October 1, 2023. No tickets are required for daytime events during the Spectacular.
Interested in creating an entry for this year’s Spectacular?
Call the Opera House at 207-633-6855 for information
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At the Opera House: Carol Sing with Kevin Kiley
& Friends
December 20th
5:30pm
Opera House of Boothbay Harbor
Doors open at 5:30 pm for a community potluck dinner preceding an evening of holiday music with beloved local pianist Kevin Kiley and his troupe of vocalists.
The music begins at 7 pm.
No tickets are required, but please bring a potluck dinner dish to share with all.
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Winter Solstice Lantern Walk
December 21
4:00 -7:00 pm
Oak Point Farm
60 Samoset Rd Boothbay Harbor
With the shortest hours of daylight upon us, lanterns bring warmth and illumination to the darkness. Celebrate the winter solstice and the return to longer days with a self-guided lightly illuminated walk at Boothbay Region Land Trust’s Oak Point Farm.
Arrive anytime between 4 and 7 pm and follow the lanterns spaced along a 1/2 mile universal access trail encircling a freshwater pond, through field and forest, with moonlit views of a tidal cove.
Bundle up and come enjoy nature from a new perspective. BRLT staff will be on-hand attending a firepit warming station and a hot beverage bar and look forward to seeing you.
This event is free and open to everyone!
For more information, contact BRLT Environmental Educator Tracey Hall at [email protected] or 633-4818
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A Southport New Year's Eve
December 30th
7:00 -10:00 pm
Brady's Restaurant
The Saturday before New Year's Eve is where it's at as Brady's and the gang celebrate early with the Lighted Lobster Trap Drop and live music. If you haven't been here before it's time to join us as we drop the trap at 9pm, celebrate early, and then go home!!
As Momma T says " Nothing good ever happens after midnight!"
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With fine acoustics, historic charm, a great old bar room upstairs, and a commitment to reasonably priced tickets, the Opera House is a gathering place for the local community and visitors alike. | | |
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DECEMBER 1st @ 7:30
Peppino D'Agostino
Peppino is a stunning guitarist, and a wonderful storyteller - stories of growing up in Italy, stories of Christmas, stories of cooking, anything is worthy of a story. Delightful to the core. We are thrilled to have him back on our stage this year. A perfect holiday gift for us all.
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DECEMBER 2nd @ 7:30
Còig
Novas Scotia’s Còig presents an evening of fiery Celtic holiday music, with lively instrumentals, stirring vocals, and festive favorites from their Christmas albums, “Carols” and “Carols Too”....a musical journey with their renditions of timeless Christmas classics, brimming instrumentals and high-energy original tunes. An exceptional show from start to finish!
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DECEMBER 9th @7:30
Lúnasa
Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 by members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade. Reviews include: “Irish music dream team”. “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet”; “the new gods of Irish music,” ...“anybody who listens can’t help but find them contagious.” Tonight these Irish stars bring the best of an Irish Christmas to the Opera House stage.
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DECEMBER 20th @ 5:30
Holiday Potluck & Carol Sing
Doors open at 5:30 for a community potluck dinner preceding an evening of holiday music with beloved local pianist Kevin Kiley and his troupe of vocalists.
Music begins at 7 pm. No tickets are required, but please bring a potluck dinner dish to share with all.
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DECEMBER 29 - @7:30
Elis Paul & Friends
Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, and losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream.
Tonight Ellis will be joined by musicians Radoslav Lorkovic, a Croatian-born and classically trained folk and blues musician, known in particular for his flair on the piano and accordion, and Don Conoscenti, an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist and Lauri MacAllister of the folk trio Red Molly.
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Eventide Specialties
It's time to order your custom holiday trays of cookies, cheese/charcuterie, fondue, appetizers, or sandwiches! (and take a look at what else is on our holiday menu!)
Everything is made fresh right here in the Eventide Kitchen with the very best ingredients, including our own spectacular Olive Oils, balsamic, and incredible cheeses.
All orders require at least 48 hours notice - Thank you and Happy Holidays!
207-350-4244
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S'mores with Santa - @ Shannon's Unshelled
On Saturdays in December you can indulge in the gooey marshmallow goodness and visit with Santa himself!
Check out our Winter Menu Here
Winter Hours:
Now - Dec 17
Monday-Wednesday 12p-7p
Thursday-Sunday 12p-9.30p
Dec 18 - Dec 23
Monday-Tuesday 12p-7p
Wednesday-Sun 12p-9.30p
Dec 26 - Dec 31
Tuesday-Sunday 12p-9.30p
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Last-Minute, Late-Nights at Log Cabin Shoes
December 21 & 22,
6 to 8 PM
39 Commerical Street Boothbay Harbor
Procrastinator? Don't sweat it! Stop in to Log Cabin Shoes and finish your last-minute Christmas Shopping. We'll offer free gift wrapping so you walk out with all your last-minute to-do's checked off your list.
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Charger Sport Fishing - 207-380-4556 Call Captian George! The boat has a protected space and there is heat. It's still the same beautiful coastline and harbor in these early winter/late fall months, Get out on the water during Boothbay Lights!
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5 Easy Tips to Get the MOST out of Boothbay Lights | |
Plan your perfect Boothbay Harbor Region vacation!
Our FREE Region Guide is chock-full of “things to do” in the Boothbay Harbor region, regional business listings, tide charts, and more. Click the link below!
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CHAMBER OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Tuesday
10 - 2 pm
Wednesday - Saturday
10 - 4 pm
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